How to Get Rid of Junk Files on Windows 10 PCs?

Overview of Junk Files

Before diving into the methods to get rid of junk files, it's essential to understand what junk files are. These files include various system junk files, registry junk files, and other redundant data that serve no purpose. Here are several common types of junk files:

✔ Temporary Files: Created by the system and applications for short-term use.
✔ Cache Files: Stored data to speed up processes but can become outdated.
✔ Recycle Bin Files: Deleted files that are still taking up space.
✔ Old Windows Update Files: Leftover files from previous updates.
✔ Log Files: Records of system and application activities.
✔ Thumbnails: Cached images of your files for quicker previews.

While these files may seem harmless, they can consume valuable storage space, slow down your computer, and even affect its performance. Is it safe to delete junk files? Sure! Regularly cleaning up these files is essential to maintaining an efficient and well-functioning device.

How to Get Rid of Junk Files on Windows 10 PCs?

How can you remove these files and free up storage space effectively? This section offers several common methods to get rid of junk files on your Windows PC. Select the one that best suits your needs.

Method 1. Use Windows Disk Cleanup

Windows Disk Cleanup is a built-in tool designed to help you free up space on your computer by removing unnecessary files. It scans your system for temporary files, system files, and other common junk files.

Here’s how to use it to get rid of junk files on Windows PCs:

Step 1. Right-click on a drive in File Explorer, and click Properties > General > Disk Cleanup.

Step 2. Select the drive you want to clean.

Step 3. Choose the file types you want to delete and click OK.

Step 4. Finally, click Delete Files to confirm and start the cleanup process.

Method 2. Enable Storage Sense

In addition to Disk Cleanup, you can enable Storage Sense to automatically free up space. This tool can delete temporary files, Recycle Bin files, and other unnecessary files. 

Follow these steps to get rid of junk files by enabling Storage Sense:

Step 1. Click Start and select Settings.

Step 2. Go to the System section and select Storage on the left side.

Step 3. Turn on Storage Sense to free up space. And you can customize how often it runs and what it deletes.

If you'd like to clean up files immediately, choose "Configure Storage Sense or run it now".

Method 3. Manually Clearing Browser Cache Files

Browser cache files can speed up processes but may accumulate and take up significant storage space on your device. Here we take Chrome as an example, showing you how to manually clear browser cache files:

Step 1: Open your web browser and click menu.

Step 2: Select Clear Browsing Data from the left-hand side. 

Step 3: On the Delete browsing data dialog, review each information field and check the checkboxes to the left of the information you wish to remove. Then click Delete Data.

Step 4: Close and re-open Chrome to save your changes. 

An All-in-One Tool to Get Rid of Junk Files

While Windows 10 includes several cleanup tools to get rid of junk files, they don’t work for all situations. For those looking for a more comprehensive solution, we’d like to recommend AOMEI Partition Assistant. This robust tool offers advanced features for cleaning most junk files, including system junk files, registry junk files, unnecessary large files, and more.

Seamless Compatibility: Fully supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7.

User-Friendly Design: An intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality ensures effortless navigation and operation.

Maximize Disk Performance: Unlock your disk's full potential and manage partitions with precision and efficiency.

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

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Let’s use AOMEI Partition Assistant to get rid of junk files:

➤ Remove Junk Files:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant; click "Free up" > "PC Cleaner" in turn.

Step 2. In the pop-up window, click "Start Scan" to scan for junk files.

Step 3. Once the scan is complete, all kinds of available junk files will be listed. Then, select the files you want to delete and click "Clean All."

Step 4. The cleaning process will start and the selected files will be cleaned up. And, you can check the cleaning process and result.

➤ Delete Useless Large Files:

Step 1. Click "Free up" > "Delete Large Files".

Step 2. In the pop-up window, select the partitions or folders that you want to find large files, and click "Start Scan" to scan for large files.

Step 3. Once the can starts, you can check the scan process. You can also cancel the process by clicking the "Cancel Scan" button.

Step 4. Once the scan is complete, select the files you want to delete, and then click the "Delete" button.

Step 5. Confirm the files you want to delete and click "Delete Now".

Step 6. Finally, check the deletion result that these files have been deleted successfully.

➤ Delete Duplicate Files:

Step 1. Click "Free up" > "Duplicate Files Finder".

Step 2. By default, all hard drives and partitions on your computer will be displayed. You can manually adjust the scan range and file types. Then Click "Scan".

Step 3. Once the scan is complete, all duplicate files that meet the conditions you set will be displayed. You can click the "Preview" button to view the duplicate file details.

Step 4. You can set up a delete method and personal preferences in"Settings". 

Then manually delete unnecessary ones. Normally, it is recommended to keep at least one duplicate file. 

Conclusion

Learning how to get rid of junk files is essential for keeping your system at optimal performance. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively remove unnecessary files and free up valuable storage space.

For a more comprehensive solution, consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant, a powerful tool that offers advanced features for cleaning junk files. Additionally, this software offers many practical features such as safely moving applications/folders, allocating free space, and migrating OS, which takes your disk management experience to the next level.